Attack of the Emotional Pygmies

The intimate performing space of the Star Theatre is perfect for this slice of family life.

Set in Adelaide, husband and wife Alistair and Georgia are expecting family for the weekend. As Georgia sets the table, her narcissistic spouse announces his return from work. Todd Gray portrays Alistair as larger than life. Self-centred and obnoxious in his manner, he is quickly disliked by the audience. Cassandra Scalzi does well in the part of the obedient wife Georgia.

Writer Peter Maddern has included all the ingredients for an absurd hour of theatre, but although there are plenty of gags thrown in, at the peformance I attended lack of timing and pace meant that opportunities for laughs were often lost. Many times, the performance lost momentum and therefore impact.

Greg (Matthew Hein) and Margie (Kyla Booth) are Alistair’s dog-loving in-laws. Hein was good in his natural delivery; his sincerity made his character appealing. Booth took time to settle into her role, but did an adequate job. New-comer to the stage Renz Bolado (Samson), played Georgia’s ill brother. Opening night nerves were evident, but I am sure he will improve as the season progresses.

The script could do with some fine-tuning and actors looked like they needed a few extra rehearsals to help with confidence in delivery.  

Even though the audience were vocal in their appreciation, I felt the play had potential to be so much more.

Kerry Cooper